Economics and Business Education (B.A.)

The University of Lüneburg has qualified teachers for positions in vocational schools since 1996/1997. Students can choose between two disciplines: Social Education and Business Education.

Students in Business Education learn to teach professionally in the fields of Economy and Administration, as well as for Occupational Training.  Students concentrate in Occupational and Economic Education, as well as in a general field of study such as German, English, Mathematics, Politics, Sport, or Protestant Religion.

In addition, students complete a five-week practical internship at a vocational school as part of their Bachelor degree at Leuphana, usually at the end of the third semester.  With the completion of the Bachelor degree program after six semesters, graduates have several possibilities: 

• Entry into the job market outside the state school system
• Continuation of their studies in an academic Master’s degree program
• Continuation of their studies in a professional Master’s degree program with the aim of teaching at a vocational school

The Business Education Master’s degree is the equivalent of the First State Exam, when students continue their studies in a professional Master's degree program in order to teach at a vocational school, and therefore grants entry into the preparatory phase of teaching (Refendariat) at a vocational school.  In addition to a Master’s degree students must demonstrate practical business experience of at least 52 weeks.   Alternatively they can demonstrate professional training in a recognized commercial occupation.  Graduates of the Master's program most often find employment as teachers in a vocational school.  Instructors in vocational schools are qualified to teach at all levels of the vocational school system, from vocational schools to technical gymnasiums.

You can find further information on the Master’s sequence “Teacher education at vocational schools –business education” in the web pages of the Graduate School (see link at the foot of the page). Detailed information regarding the various programs for teacher education at Leuphana can also be found on the webpage of the department of teacher education. The links are also available at the foot of this page.

Self-Assessment Career Counseling for Teachers (CCT)

Applicants for the Bachelor in teacher education are asked to participate in an internet self-assessment, in order to gain a realistic view of the content, work procedures and responsibilities of the teaching occupation and to reflect on their own suitability for the job.  The results of the self-assessment have no influence on the screening of applicants for teacher education.  Further information about the composition of the self-assessment and your participation can be found through the links below.